University of the Pacific is a small (3548) private oasis located in residential Stockton, about 1 hour south of Sacramento. Pacific’s campus is stunning and classic, with historic brick buildings and tree lined pathways snaking throughout the 175 acres, and was recently ranked 5th prettiest campus in the nation. The president of the university lives on campus and is very active and visible.
Nine schools make up the university, and they are well known for their Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Computer Science, Business and Engineering schools. Engineering and Computer Science both have a 7-month co-op requirement, and a dedicated career services advisor both leading to great job placement upon graduation. Business students are given money to trade on the stock market! Admission to sciences is more selective, and students are not able to transfer into biology, pre-pharmacy or pre-dentistry programs.
The Music Conservatory is notable (instrumental and vocal), heavy involvement with the professional world of music. Dave Brubeck a Pacific alumni is closely connected to this program, so jazz is definitely emphasized as well as classical and modern music. Music Therapy and Music Education are both popular programs.
Speaking of education, the School of Education stands apart, and all students who graduate with a BA in education also graduate with their teaching credential, with the work experience integrated into the four-year program. International Studies was recently added as one of Pacific’s schools, where study abroad is required. Theatre is growing at Pacific, with 2-4 shows per year, and certainly anyone interested in “tech” would be a great fit because all the outside productions on campus need technical support. The new Media X experimental program makes it very easy for students to mix their film interests in any way they choose—lots of flexibility.
Pre-law students have the opportunity to apply for Pacific Legal Scholars, an organization that targets and assists students in preparing themselves for the rigors of law school, a hugely beneficial experience.
Sports at Pacific are D1, and basketball is especially well attended, loud and competitive. Seventy five percent of all students at Pacific participate in sports activities of some kind. Greek life is popular with 20% of students involved in fraternities and sororities that are social, professional or cultural in nature. UOP is 55% female. Campus organized activities include concerts, outdoor movies, water sports such as rowing and tubing, community service projects, Speech & Debate, a social entrepreneurship club and many other groups.
Pacific is set in a nice, suburban neighborhood with their own police force, but students are cautious about traveling in groups around greater Stockton. Students can easily walk to the nearby Miracle Mile area, a charming mom & pop area. Merit scholarships are available at Pacific and are awarded automatically, except the largest one called the Powell Scholarship which is based on GPA (3.5) and strong leadership, and students need to apply separately for this one.
